Heart rate in early rhythm control therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Preventing high heart rates in atrial fibrillation (AF) is recommended to reduce AF-related symptoms and morbidity. Evidence on a strong relationship between lower heart rate during AF and a reduction in symptoms or cardiovascular complications is, however, lacking. METHODS: This Early Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention Trial analysis compared symptoms, treatment strategy and the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, stroke or hospitalisation with worsening of heart failure or acute coronary syndrome between patients with a heart rate